The new beauty launches we're loving right now

New beauty products landing at Beauty Collective? You can probably imagine how excited the team gets! While we all have our tried-and-tested favourites, we're always keen to see what the latest launches have to offer. We're talking clever makeup innovations, interesting skincare ingredients and new formulas that have us reaching for the testers before they've even made it onto the website! From a glow-enhancing primer and a nourishing lip oil to targeted skincare and a clever two-in-one makeup essential, here are five of our latest beauty launches and why we're loving them!   1. ELES Lumière Glow Perfecting Primer For smoother-looking skin and a gorgeous natural glow A primer that does more than simply prepare your skin for foundation? Yes, please! This new ELES Lumière Glow Perfecting Primer is designed to smooth the appearance of fine lines, pores and uneven texture while giving your complexion a fresh, luminous finish. Its silky, lightweight formula combines jojoba oil, Vitamin E and botanical extracts to leave skin feeling soft and comfortable. And the best part? You don't even need to wear foundation to enjoy the benefits. Apply it on its own for a naturally radiant look or underneath makeup for a smoother, more even finish. “Having fairly oily skin and visible pores, I'm quite particular about the primers I use. What I love about this one is how it makes my skin look smoother and more even, with a lovely soft-focus effect and natural radiance, without looking overly shiny. I can wear it on its own or underneath foundation, and my makeup looks fresh and polished.” Liane Scior, Director of Marketing & Education   2. PHYTOMER Lip Designer Nourishing Plumping Lip Oil For hydrated, fuller-looking lips with a gorgeous glossy shine Lip oils have become a beauty favourite, and it's not hard to understand why! They offer that gorgeous glossy finish we love, with the added benefit of caring for our lips. The new PHYTOMER Lip Designer Nourishing Plumping Lip Oil takes things a step further, combining marine algae extracts with nourishing apricot, macadamia and sesame oils to help soften, smooth and visibly plump the lips too! It's particularly appealing if your lips tend to feel dry or you're noticing more visible lip lines. The lightweight oil adds shine without that sticky, heavy feeling, and the applicator makes it easy to top up throughout the day. “Anything that promises to nourish and plump my lips at the same time immediately gets my attention! And this lip oil does exactly that! My lips feel beautifully moisturised, look glossy (without being sticky), and I've noticed they look plumper with continued use. I use it every morning and keep it close by for top-ups throughout the day!” – Jo Boyden, Senior Marketing & Content Manager   3. ELES 2-in-1 Mascara & Liner Two makeup essentials. One clever little product. We do love a clever makeup innovation here at BC, and especially this one that combines two products we all use daily! This new ELES 2-in-1 Mascara & Liner brings together a volumising black mascara and a precision eyeliner in one sleek, double-ended design. Use the mascara to add volume and definition to your lashes, then the liner to create anything from a subtle line along the lashes to a more dramatic eye look. It's practical, versatile and particularly handy for travelling or keeping in your handbag! “Mascara and eyeliner in one product? Such a clever idea! You get the definition and volume of a mascara, plus a precision liner for creating anything from a subtle everyday look to a more dramatic eye. And there's one less product to squeeze into your makeup bag!” - Elaine Palapag, Social Media Manager   4. VIE Collection Retino Active Concentrated Solution A targeted treatment for smoother, more radiant-looking skin If fine lines, uneven texture or a complexion that's looking a little lacklustre are among your skincare concerns, this is one new launch worth knowing about! The VIE Collection Retino Active Concentrated Solution contains 0.1% encapsulated retinol, designed for progressive release to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, refine skin texture and restore radiance. But there's more to the formula than retinol alone. Jojoba and macadamia oils, shea butter extract and glycerin provide nourishing and hydrating care, while the lightweight, fragrance-free texture absorbs without leaving a sticky finish. It's designed to be used as a targeted 2–4-week course before your usual moisturiser. As with any retinol treatment, follow the product directions, introduce it according to your skin's tolerance and use daily SPF! “I've tried quite a few retinol products over the years, and this one has really impressed me! I love how smooth and soft my skin feels after using it, and I've noticed my complexion looks brighter and more even. Plus, it feels beautifully nourishing, which isn't always what you'd expect from a retinol treatment.” - Kellie Deveney, Business Development Manager  5. PHYTOMER Rosée Glow Vitamin Radiance Plumping Cream For skin that looks fresh, plump and beautifully hydrated Sometimes all you want from your moisturiser is for your skin to look a little fresher, brighter and more radiant. And that's exactly what this new PHYTOMER launch is designed to deliver! PHYTOMER Rosée Glow Vitamin Radiance Plumping Cream combines antioxidant Vitamin C with rose water, rose oil and marine ingredients to help revive dull-looking skin, provide lasting hydration and improve the appearance of plumpness. The silky, nourishing texture is designed to leave skin feeling soft and comfortable, while helping to restore that healthy-looking, rosy glow. A particularly tempting addition if your complexion has been looking a little tired lately! “I'm all about fresh, glowing skin, and this cream has quickly become one of my favourites! I love how soft and hydrated my skin feels after applying it, and it gives my complexion such a beautiful, healthy-looking glow. My skin looks fresher and plumper, which is exactly what I want from my moisturiser!” - May Scior, Administrative Assistant   Whether you're looking for a targeted skincare treatment, a clever makeup essential or simply fancy trying something different, we hope our latest favourites have given you a little inspiration. And if you're curious to see what else has landed recently, head over to our latest arrivals and discover what's new at Beauty Collective!

You invested in that new serum and moisturiser your friend has been raving about. You’ve been using them religiously. And yet your skin doesn’t seem to look any different! But before you decide your latest skincare purchase was a complete waste of money, it’s worth looking at what else might be going on! From expecting results a little too quickly to using too many active ingredients at once, there are plenty of things that could be stopping your skincare from delivering the results you expected. So, before you give up on your current routine (or start shopping for an entirely new one!), keep reading as we look at 7 reasons your skincare might not be working and what you can do about it!   1. You’re expecting results too quickly We’d all love our skincare to transform our skin overnight! But unfortunately, most products need a little more time than that! That said some benefits can be noticeable fairly quickly! A good moisturiser or hydrating serum, for example, can leave skin looking plumper, smoother and more hydrated almost immediately, and a good Vitamin C serum or facial oil can have you waking to brighter, healthier looking skin by morning! I can vouch for that. But if you’re trying to improve concerns such as pigmentation, fine lines or uneven texture, you’ll generally need to be much more patient. Ingredients such as retinol work gradually, so consistency over weeks and months matters far more than what you see after the first few applications. And resist the temptation to keep swapping products because you haven't noticed a dramatic difference straight away. Unless something is irritating your skin or clearly isn't right for you, give it a reasonable chance to do its job before moving on to the next thing!   2. Your products aren’t right for your skin A product can have the latest and greatest skincare ingredients, glowing reviews even, and work wonders for your best friend... but not be right for your skin. Your skin type plays a big part in choosing the right products. For example, a rich, nourishing moisturiser might be wonderful for someone with dry skin, but feel far too heavy for someone with oily or combination skin. The same applies to your concerns. If pigmentation is your priority, your routine needs ingredients that actually target pigmentation. If dehydration is the problem, piling on products designed primarily for ageing skin may not address what's making your complexion look dull or lined in the first place. Not entirely sure what your skin needs? Our guide to building a skincare routine for your skin type and concerns will help!    3. You’re not using your products consistently I’m sure we have all been guilty of buying a new skincare product, using it morning and night for a week and then gradually swapping it out because the results aren’t happening quickly enough for your liking. Unfortunately, using your serum three nights one week, once the next and then rediscovering it in the bathroom cupboard a fortnight later probably isn't going to tell you much about whether it works! You don't need a complicated 10-step routine, but you do need some consistency when it comes to your skincare. A simple routine you follow every day will generally be far more useful than an elaborate one you only manage when time allows. And don't forget your SPF! If you're investing in products to improve pigmentation and visible signs of ageing but regularly skipping sun protection, you're making their job considerably harder!   4. You’re using too many active ingredients at once If one active ingredient is good, surely three or four (because they all target concerns you think you need help with) will get you results faster, right? Sadly, skincare doesn't quite work like that! Combining too many potent actives (particularly when you introduce several new products at once) can leave skin feeling dry, tight, sensitive or irritated. And once your skin becomes unhappy, adding even more products to try and fix the problem can quickly become a vicious circle! This doesn't mean ingredients such as retinol, exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs) and Vitamin C can't all have a place in your routine. They absolutely can. But introduce new actives gradually, pay attention to how your skin responds and don't assume that stronger or more is automatically better. And if you're not entirely sure which actives your skin actually needs, have a read of our guide to the skincare ingredients you should be using. It might help you work out which ones are worth keeping in your routine (and which ones you probably don't need!).   5. You’re not getting the most from your products Sometimes it's not what you're using, but how you're using it. Applying products in the right order can help you get the most from your routine. As a general guide, cleanse first, follow with your more lightweight serums and targeted treatments, then moisturiser, with SPF as the final step of your morning skincare routine. If you're unsure where everything fits, our guide to the right order to apply your skincare (and why it matters) explains it all. You also don't need huge amounts of product to make it work better. Using twice as much serum doesn't mean you'll get twice the results (if only!). And make sure you’re following the directions for the individual product. Some treatments are designed for daily use, while others may only be needed a few times a week. Retinol and exfoliants in particular usually need to be introduced gradually.   6. Your skin barrier needs some attention If your skin has suddenly become dry, tight, flaky, sensitive or reactive, your skin barrier could be struggling. Your skin barrier helps keep moisture in and irritants out. When it's compromised, skin can lose water more easily and become increasingly sensitive, which can make your usual skincare harder to tolerate. If that sounds familiar, this probably isn't the moment to add another exfoliating acid or stronger retinol! Instead, simplify things for a while. Concentrate on gentle cleansing, hydration, moisturising and daily SPF, and look for barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides and fatty acids. You can read more in our guide to repairing a damaged skin barrier. 7. You’re expecting skincare to do something it simply can’t And finally, this is an important one! Sometimes your skincare is working, but you're expecting it to achieve something that skincare simply can't! A good skincare routine can make a real difference to how your skin looks and feels. Depending on the products you're using, it can improve hydration, smoothness and brightness, help manage breakouts and pigmentation, and soften the appearance of fine lines. But no cream or serum can completely erase deep wrinkles, or reproduce the results of an injectable or in-clinic procedure. This doesn't make good skincare any less worthwhile. The goal is to keep your skin looking and functioning at its best, while having realistic expectations about what topical products can and will achieve.   So before you give up on your skincare... If you're not seeing the results you expected, don't immediately assume you need to replace everything in your bathroom cupboard. Give your products enough time, make sure they're suited to your skin and concerns, use them consistently and resist the temptation to throw every trending active ingredient into your routine at once!

If you wear foundation, chances are you'll have experienced cakey makeup on occasion! Unfortunately, ‘cakiness’ happens to the best of us. But why is that you might be asking? No matter how carefully you've applied your makeup, sometimes foundation just seems to settle into fine lines, cling to dry patches or sit on top of your skin rather than blending seamlessly into it. And annoyingly, adding more foundation or powder to try and fix it can often make matters worse! Luckily though, cakey makeup is often surprisingly easy to fix (and even easier to prevent) once you know what's causing it. From how you prep your skin to the amount of foundation and powder you're applying, a few small changes can make all the difference. So, keep reading to find out why your makeup is looking cakey, how to fix it without starting all over again and, most importantly, how to stop it happening in the first place.   Why your makeup looks cakey First things first, why does foundation sometimes end up looking cakey in the first place? One of the biggest culprits is dry or dehydrated skin. When the surface of your skin is dry, flaky or lacking moisture, foundation can cling to those areas rather than blending smoothly across them. And yes, there's a difference between dry and dehydrated skin! Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water, which means even oily or combination skin can be dehydrated. But your skin isn't always to blame! Applying too much foundation or concealer, layering products too quickly, using formulas that don't work particularly well together and, perhaps one of the biggest offenders, too much powder can all leave makeup looking heavy or textured. Your foundation formula matters too. Rather than assuming dry skin always needs liquid foundation and oily skin needs something matte or powder-based, look for a formula that works with your individual skin, the finish you prefer and the amount of coverage you actually need.   How to fix cakey makeup when it happens Before you even think about washing everything off and starting again, try this! 1. Don't add more foundation It can be tempting to cover cakey areas with another layer, but more product usually means more texture. Instead, take a clean, slightly damp makeup sponge and gently press it over the areas where your makeup looks heavy. Don't rub or drag it across your skin. The idea is to lift away a little excess product while pressing what's left back into the skin. Try: ELES Pro Blender Sponge. Use it slightly damp and gently bounce or press rather than swipe. 2. Add a little moisture back in If your foundation is looking particularly dry or powdery, a light facial mist can help soften the finish. Mist lightly over your face, give it a few seconds to settle, then gently press your damp sponge over any problem areas. We're talking a light mist, not enough to leave your makeup dripping wet! 3. Fix the problem area, not your entire face Cakey makeup is often concentrated around the nose, chin, forehead or anywhere foundation has collected in fine lines or dry patches. So rather than adding another layer of makeup everywhere, concentrate on that particular area. Remove or blend away the excess first and only add the tiniest amount of concealer or foundation afterwards if you genuinely need more coverage. Remember sometimes taking product away is the fix, rather than adding more!   What to do to avoid cakey makeup Even better than knowing how to fix cakey makeup? Preventing it from happening at all! To do so you need to; 1. Prep your skin properly Makeup will generally sit better on skin that's comfortable, hydrated and properly prepped. Start with your usual skincare routine and choose hydration according to what your skin actually needs. If dehydration is an issue, a hydrating serum containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can be a useful addition beneath your moisturiser. Exfoliation can also help if dead skin build-up is contributing to roughness or flakiness, but don't exfoliate simply because you're planning to wear foundation! How often you exfoliate should depend on your skin, the exfoliant you're using and what else is in your routine. And finally, give your skincare and SPF a little time to settle before applying your makeup! Piling foundation straight over skincare that hasn't absorbed properly can encourage products to move around, pill or sit unevenly. 2. Use primer where you need it Do you have to use a primer? No. But a good primer evens out your skin texture, making the surface of your skin smoother, so that your makeup glides on effortlessly and appears well blended. It can also help with longevity meaning your makeup will remain perfectly intact for longer! The key is choosing the right primer for your skin. If your complexion tends to look dry or dull, we’re currently loving the new ELES Lumière Glow Perfecting Primer, which helps create a smooth, luminous base for your makeup. And if your skin tends to be more on the oily side we highly recommend the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. It combats shine, helps absorb excess oil and reduces the appearance of pores, to keep foundation looking flawless all day long! Genius. 3. Choose the right foundation for your skin type Choosing a foundation formula for your skin type is essential when it comes to fixing and preventing cakey makeup. If your skin is dry, it’s best to opt for liquid foundations as these tend to be more nourishing and hydrating than powders. For those prone to oily or combination skin, matte and powder foundations are good as they will help absorb excess oil. 4. Build your foundation rather than applying too much at once Start with a thin layer of foundation and blend it well before deciding whether you actually need more. If there are particular areas where you want additional coverage, add a little more just there or use concealer rather than applying another full layer of foundation. You'll usually get a much more natural-looking result, and there's far less product available to settle into every little line and crease as the day goes on! 5. Go easy on the powder You might be a mineral powder foundation lover like me! And whether you use powder as your foundation or simply to set your makeup, it can be brilliant for reducing unwanted shine and helping everything stay in place. But more isn't always better. Too much powder can actually emphasise dryness, texture and fine lines rather than disguising them (something that can become increasingly noticeable as we age!). Instead, use it more sparingly to begin and concentrate powder where you really need it, such as around the nose, chin or T-zone, while keeping it lighter over any areas that are dry or textured. Try the ELES Mineral SkinPerfect Powder Foundation SPF 15, my personal favourite! It perfects, protects, and delivers an airbrushed finish! And it’s enriched with skin-loving antioxidant extracts including Kakadu plum, pomegranate and bilberry! 6. Use a setting spray Once your makeup is complete, finish with a nourishing face mist (or setting spray) as they will add additional hydration to the skin as well as locking in moisture which will help keep makeup in place. Pevonia’s new Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist is a favourite of mine. Not only does it deeply nourish the skin, rejuvenating, plumping and relieving dry flaky skin, it also helps maintain your makeup look throughout the day. What about cakey makeup under your eyes? The skin around our eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of our face, so it can be particularly prone to caking and creasing (especially as we age!). Add too much concealer and powder in an attempt to disguise fine lines and dark circles and you can end up having the opposite effect, eek! Before applying any makeup to this area, make sure your skin is well hydrated first. You can use your usual moisturiser or, for a little extra nourishment, we recommend a good  eye cream. Your choice of concealer can make a huge difference too. Look for a lightweight, hydrating formula that blends easily without feeling heavy or dry. We love the ELES Dual Action Concealer, which combines medium coverage with hydrating and smoothing skincare ingredients including peptides and hyaluronic acid. “This product is beautiful, you only need the smallest amount. Goes on so smooth even using your fingers, best of all no caking and no sitting in your wrinkles!!!!” – Kate Amiet And remember, less is more! Apply a small amount only where you actually need it rather than coating the entire under-eye area. If you use powder, keep it minimal. And if you notice your concealer settling into fine lines during the day, resist the temptation to add more! Instead, try gently tapping over the area with your fingertip or a damp makeup sponge first. And if your makeup regularly creases under your eyes, have a read of our guide to how to stop makeup from creasing under your eyes for more tips.   So, what's the secret to makeup that doesn't cake? Ultimately, avoiding cakey makeup isn't about adding another five products to your routine. It's usually about using the right products for your skin and using less of them in the right places. Prep your skin well, allow your skincare to settle, build foundation gradually and be strategic with concealer and powder. And if your makeup does start looking a little cakey halfway through the day? Remember: before you add anything else, try taking some product away. A damp sponge and a little blending might be all it takes!